In 2004, ODACA established a new apprentice program aimed at providing mentoring help to selected artists.

Those who qualify are artists who have already applied for membership in ODACA, but have narrowly missed being accepted because their collective critique scores have missed  - by only a point or two - the total number required for acceptance.

These artists are given the opportunity to 'pair up' with a mentor, selected from a list of willing ODACA Artists.

The ODACA Apprentice member is assigned to a volunteer ODACA Artist mentor (usually someone from the ranks of the ODACA Standards Committee) with whom he or she can establish a dialogue. Their contact would include a series of regular reports made to the mentor, describing work techniques and photos of work in progress. The mentor then responds with feedback, hopefully providing helpful guidance and tips on ways to improve the artist's skills. Every effort is made to pair mentors with artists working in like mediums (cloth, polymer clay, porcelain, etc.).

Participation is limited to artists who plan to re-apply for ODACA membership the following year.

The qualifying artist is under no obligation to participate, and any outcomes from future applications to ODACA will have no bearing on the decision to participate.

ODACA knows these people are already fine artists, possessing the talents and dedication needed to become even better at their craft. It is hoped that a little help in some areas will make it possible for them to achieve their goals.

ODACA is striving, through this new program, talented artists can be given a 'head start' on the road to ODACA artist membership.

The ODACA Standards Committee Chairperson will contact any applicants who qualitfy for the Apprentice Program directly.

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